Mental health is something we should all strive to improve, but it can often be overshadowed. We all know that having a good diet and exercising regularly is beneficial for our bodies, but what can we do to protect our minds? As parents, you probably want nothing more than for your kids to be happy and healthy. In this guide, we’ll share some simple steps to nourish children’s mental health.
Encourage open communication
As a society, we’re getting better at talking about mental health, but there’s a long way to go. Encouraging open communication at home is a great way to weave talking about emotions, ideas and feelings into everyday life. You don’t need to make a big deal of opening up by planning family meetings or making a point of asking your children about their feelings every day. Instead, check in regularly, chat to each other and let your kids know that you’re always there if they want to talk. Try to ensure you’re accessible and listen to your child. You can also set a good example by speaking to your children about how you feel. Adapt conversations based on the age of your child.
Consider therapy
Therapy is often recommended for adults, but seeing a child therapist can also be beneficial for kids. Therapists can help children who are going through traumas and difficulties, such as bullying, losing loved ones, divorce and dealing with poor health. It can also benefit those with behavioral issues and kids who find it hard to cope with change or fit in at school. Speaking to therapists can also help children express themselves if they don’t want to open up to their parents or friends.
Prioritize quality time
Spending time with children is often much more impactful than buying gifts or throwing lavish birthday parties. Many parents have hectic schedules and this can impact children’s mental health. A lack of attention and affection may cause children to feel lonely and isolated. Some may also struggle to form strong relationships with others if they feel neglected or overlooked. Try to prioritize quality time together and have fun as a family. Plan days out or cozy movie nights in the living room, be creative and embrace hobbies and encourage your kids to be adventurous and try new things. Do activities together, bond, and find a healthy balance between work, school and downtime.
Establish healthy habits and routines
Mental and physical health are intertwined. Many of the things we do to nourish our bodies also help our minds. Establishing healthy habits and routines is a great way to boost well-being. Ensure that your children get enough sleep, provide healthy, balanced meals and encourage regular exercise. Spend time outdoors, have fun together and nurture positive relationships. Organize activities with friends and family members and help your kids to relax and unwind when they feel tired or they have a lot on at school.
There are lots of ways to protect and nourish mental health, but often, we focus on physical well-being. As a parent, it’s beneficial to prioritize both mental and physical health. Encourage open communication, listen to your child and consider child therapy services. Have fun together, make time for your children and establish healthy routines and habits.
